When Miranda Goodwin (’20) enrolled in the Legal Clinic at the University of Tennessee Winston College of Law in 2019, her heart never really left. What began as clinical coursework became a calling that carried her from student to mentor, practitioner, and ultimately instructor within the very program that shaped her legal career.
Upon entering the Legal Clinic, Goodwin became an integral part of the Wills Clinic. From the start, she knew she wanted to practice trusts and estates and elder law. She quickly distinguished herself in the clinic, pairing strong legal skills with a deep commitment to serving clients who otherwise couldn’t afford representation.
The following year, Goodwin’s talents as a teacher were obvious as she continued in the clinic as an advanced student. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Goodwin found the time to create a step-by-step manual to guide students in producing documents using commercial document production software. In the process, she identified areas for improvement in the software.
Goodwin’s work was indispensable during the Wills Clinic’s transition to new faculty in the summer of 2020. Coincidentally, Goodwin had clerked at the law firm of incoming Wills Clinic supervisor, Sarah Malia. Goodwin offered invaluable insights from the student perspective to Malia as she and her colleagues Victoria Tillman and Patrick McKenrick re-launched the clinic.
“Miranda has worked with students since the time she was a student and helped us redesign the Wills Clinic,” said Malia, who now co-teaches the Wills Clinic with Goodwin. “She stepped up as a volunteer after graduation and made herself vital to its mission. She’s creative, smart, deeply dedicated to our clients—and truly one of a kind. From all accounts, Miranda was a leader even as a student, and she has been integral in working with me to redesign and finetune the Wills Clinic”
After graduating, Goodwin joined Malia in building a law practice while continuing to volunteer with the clinic. She mentored students, conducted client intake, organized cases, and managed an ever-growing waitlist—all while establishing herself as a young attorney.
“Even after graduation, she continued to support our students and clients,” says Joy Radice, director of clinical programs and associate professor of law. “She joined us as a summer staff attorney to ensure clients’ estate plans and conservatorships weren’t delayed by the academic calendar. Honestly, we always knew it was only a matter of time before she officially became a professor.”
That moment came in 2023, when Goodwin formally joined the Wills Clinic teaching team. Amy Hess, professor emerita who founded the clinic and worked with Goodwin as a student, describes her as a bridge between clients and our students.
“They both love her,” said Hess. “She is thorough, kind, and professional.”
Whether finalizing client documents, guiding a student through a complex legal issue, or redesigning intake processes for greater efficiency, Goodwin is a constant presence in the clinic.
“Professor Goodwin has challenged me to grow as a lawyer,” said Megan Smith, a third-year advanced Wills Clinic student. “She is meticulous in editing my drafts, offers constructive feedback, and is always available for professional or personal advice. I can’t imagine the Wills Clinic without her.”